Packing & Traveling Light Recommendations

The following page was originally written after my wife and I
returned from a trip in the early 1990s doing international
development & education. We each fit everything needed for
multi-week trip into a carry-on bag. This permitted our two
check-through bags to be filled with educational materials that we
would deliver to the project without paying shipping charges. Many of
our colleagues brought a couple of huge bags for their own use.
They asked how we managed to get everything into carry-on bags. This
page started out as the write-up for our
colleagues. Traveling light is just part of how I have tried to live
a more minimalist life. The rational for everything I travel with
can be found on my 2018 Stuff List

MOTIVATION

Traveling light by packing light has a number of advantages:

Traveling light is a form of minimalism. By reducing material stuff
you can be more focused on people and experiences.

You are normally able to take your luggage as carry-on. When your
luggage is carry-on you won't lose your luggage, you bag doesn't
get thrown, dropped or otherwise abused, and if you have a tight
connection you know your bag will be with you, wherever you end
up. If you really need to change your clothing (or get something
out of your bag) you can.

You are able to handle your luggage yourself. If you carry your
luggage more than a few feet (most of us end up doing this), you
would like your luggage to be as small and light as possible.

Transportation becomes simpler because you don't have to find
someone who can transport a number of large bags. For example,
some remote towns use motorcycles as taxis. Imagine trying to hold
onto a number of huge bags on the back of a motorcycle.

You will spend less time fighting with your bags, have less to
keep track of, and less to worry about losing.

By trimming what you carry down to the essentials you will spend
less time on the trip thinking about "Is this the right outfit?"
"Should I use X or Y today?"

Packing light lets you use your check through luggage allotment
for medical supplies and other items for service trips. Or, if you
found a large, perfect gift for someone, you can bring it back as
your check-through luggage.

Remember the traveler's motto: It's better to
bring half of what you think you need, and twice as much money.

LUGGAGE RECOMMENDATIONS

Luggage which is 7"x14"x20" will fit under
nearly all commercial
airplane seats, and is permitted as a carry-on bag on almost all
airlines. Luggage which is
9x14x22 (45 linear inches) will fit under the seat in most commercial
jets used in the USA and all overhead bins. There are two caviets.
It is possible to overstuff soft side luggage
to the point that it will not fit under a seat, so if you bag is
bulging on the sides, you have packed too much. Just because you
bag will fit under the seat in front of you doesn't mean that it will
be acceptable carry-on. Some regional airlines limit carry-on
bags to 5-7kg. There is
a nice summary of
carry one
restrictions by airline, but you should contact your carrier since
these restrictions can vary.
OAG's
Carry-on restrictions (2008) was great... I don't know where their
current summary is. Some airlines permit one carry on, and a second
personal item. Often the personal item must be under 9x10x17.

In general I suggest staying away from wheeled
bags. They cost more, add extra weight, and hold less than similarly
size travel pack. I would generally recommend using a "travel pack" which
is a cross between a backpack, and soft-side luggage. Travel
packs will have often have light weight internal frames to make them
easier to carry: handles on the top and side to carry as luggage, and
backpack straps that tuck away. A close relative are travel duffel bags
which tend to be simplier with a more "outdoor" style.
When looking at travel packs make
sure they are still under the limit for carry-ons! Feature and size
creep has resulting in travel packs which are quite heavy and are too
big to be used for carry-on.
In roughly the order of my preferences
here are the legal carry-on travel packs I think are worth looking at:

Bags from Tom Bihn: All the
bags made by Tom Bihm are amazingly well thought out, have great
organizational features, carry well, and are top quality. Choice
the bag that fits your packing need and style, but be prepared to
pay for the quality. The cache laptop system is wonderful.
On most trips I use a Synapse 25 Backpack. 25L is enough space for nearly all my trips, has three dimensional
pockets that are nicely sized, water bottle pocket works well, carries well,
durable without being over built.

Peak Designs Traveler is a kickstarter
project from a company that has delivered numerous successful projects desiged for photographers. While
Peak's bag would be ideal for photographers, it looks like it would be a good back for just about
anyone. There are no immediate flaws I see in the design, though I have not seen one in person.

Nomatic Travel Bag is a kickstater
project bag designed for travel. Seems well designed with a lot of organizing features.
Clamshell openning, shoe compartment, size storage pockets, internal waterproof water bottle
pocket. They have a a number of optional accessories which can make the price
really climb

Minaal Carry-on is a pricy bag that was a successful kickstart project. The bag zips open like
a classic suitcase for easy access, has an external water bottle pocket, removable
straps, and a well designed padded pocket for a laptop. Clear design, but
the webbing waist strap is only for stabilization, not load transfer.

Osprey
TrailKit is a organizational duffel with backpack
straps. Organizational features include ventilated pocket for shoes,
four externally accessible pockets ((water padded, bottle big enough
for kindle, 2 general storage), and large main compartment. The
division between the pockets and main compartment is not rigid
eliminating the sometimes wasted space introduced by pockets. All the
zippers face toward the back which is both a good theft deterrent as
well as helps keep things clean if you set it down in the dirt. I use
this bag when on rare trip that requires more gear than will fit in
the Synapse (trips that I wanted to bring clothing appropriate for
formal outings, running, hiking in both hot and sub-freezing
conditions.)

Tortugaback Packs is
a small company that makes packs specifically designed for
the light weight traveler. Suitcase like zipper opening, side
access laptop sleeve, zip away straps, and other features make
this a well designed travel pack.

Cotopaxi
Allpa 35l is Ingiegogo funded project. Looks like a well designed
bag that should carry well. Unzippers suitcase style. My only complain
from the description is not seperate section for carrying water.

Osprey
Ozone 46 is a very well thought out travel pack. Made
from light weight but adaquately durable materials. It has
a foam frame sheet which improves it's carry comfort, gives
some back ventilation, and provides a bit of protection for
the contents of the main bag. There is a large compartment which zips
half open. The inside is a florescent yellow which makes it
easy to see things. Closest to your back is a padded pocket
which will hold a 15 inch laptop. On the exterior of the pack
are two mesh water bottle pockets, a typical orginizer
pocket, and a padded pocket which seems to be sized for a
tablet or kindle. There are two compression straps. This
pack is also available in a the smaller 36L. This looks
more like a backpack than luggage.

Eagle Creek typically
sells nicely designed Travel Packs. They change their models fairly
frequently, so I have stopped listing any specific models. When
looking at the Eagle Creek bags make sure they are carry-on legal.
Many of Eagle Creek "adventure travel" packs are too large for
carry on use.

Redoxx Sky
Train: expensive, but well regarded. I have no personal experience with
it.

eBags
Mother Lode weekender Convertible: A very good value, typicaly
sold for under $80. While this bag doesn't have the carry comfort the
Osprey Bags, or features that are as refined as Tom Bihn, they have
managed to make a well designed bag at a budget price.

Opsrey
Porter 46: A durable bag which will protect the contents
better than many of the bags because there is
closed cell foam sewn into the sides which beside providing
extra protection also gives some
structure without adding much weight. There is a large U
zippered opening provides easy assess when "strait-jacket"
compression staps (very effective but get in the way) aren't cinched
down. There a fairly large top pocket which I put
everything I might want quick access to while on the move.
The lid to the main compartment has an external accessible zippered
pocket, and a mesh pocket on the inside. One side of
the bag has an internal mesh pocket which runs the length of the
bag. This is one of
the more comfortable carrying bags I have found. If unfortunately
doesn't have an exterbnal water bottle and is a bit light of
organizational features.
This was my go to bag for ten years and is now
being used by other family members.

Osprey
Farpoint 40: Slightly less volume than a number of the
other bags listed here is offset by a real frame which is
comfort carrying 15-20lb, external water bottle pockets, a
large pocket with organizer pockets and a padded slot for
laptop and ereader/tablet, a number of built in straps to
keep everything in place. The most significant downside is that the
laptop slot is near in the front of the pack rather than
against the back.

Marmot Long Haul and Northface Basecamp Duffel (Small): Very durable and highly water
resistant. A good option if you expect your bags to be
outdoors a lot and you aren't looking for organizing features (Marmot
has a few features, TNF none). I didn't find either as comfortable to carry as the
Osprey Porter, but would choice
it if I expected my bag to spend a
lot of time exposed to the elements.

OR Drybags or similar products. there are a number of companies
that make completely waterproof bags that have straps to carry on
your back. The more basic drybags are not that cormfortable to carry,
but there are more refined products. Often these packs have no
orginizational features and are
harder to pack, unpack, and find
specify items, but if you are somewhere very wet (like watersports)
the extra protection is well worth the inconvenience.

Thule 40L Crossover: access against your back which makes it
hard for someone to steal things out of your bag, durable, ok carry
comfort, zip closing side pockets for water bottles or other small
items, a bit different looking. I liked the design ideas but for
the the handle weren't comfortable against my back and the logo is
rather obnoxious. The Osprey TrailKit has many of the same design
features, but executes them better IMHO.

Some people combine adventure travel (where they carry their packs moderate
distanced between hotels, hostels, and people's homes) with longer hikes
and possibly time spent in the back
country. In these cases the traveler will want a pack which is both
carry-on legal, has a great suspension, and will have enough volume to
carry the extra items required (cooking gear, insulation for sleeping,
shelter, multiple days of food). Ideally, the pack would either have a
good compression system (so that it carries well with carry-on volume
but has room for your trek when your full food load is added) or
permits items to be strapped to the outside. The
Six Moon Designs Traveler might be a good pack for this sort
of use. There are many
frameless packs,
and several or lightly framed packs such as the
Gossamer Gear Gorilla (I have used several times) which work for this
sort of situation so long as you don't over pack them. Remember that you can't take fuel, knife, or
hiking poles carry-on. The other option would be to take a larger pack
and ship it in a duffel bag.

All but the most minimalist travelers typically want a smaller bag
for "daily" use when they aren't in transit. Some travel packs have a
zip-off daypack. While this might seem cool, I have not found this
helpful. If you have the daypack attached, your bag no longer
qualified as a carry-on bag. Additionally, I have found the daypack
the wrong size and shape for my day-to-day needs. My day-to-day bag
is a
patagonia
UL courier. The material is light enough that it can be easily
packed away in my travel pack but durable enough to have survived
several years of use. I like the courier style over a backpack style
because it's usable when wearing my travel pack on my back, provides
easier access compared to a backpack which you have to remove from
your back to gain access, and you are less likely to have a sweaty
back. I would recommend the Matador Freerain24 for people who do outdoor activities in the rain.

These days, we are restricted to one carry-one bag or if we are
lucky, a carry-one and one "purse / computer /
briefcase". Normally my everyday bag is in my travel pack
during transit and comes out at the destination for use. When I know I
can bring a "personal item" and a carry on, I will use my
courier to hold anything I will need during the flight and put my
travel pack in the above luggage compartment. On return trips where I
have accumulated stuff, my courier bag sometimes becomes my carry on
bag, and the travel bag is checked through.

Some people find small, "parachute cloth" tote bags can
be very handy. These cost
around $12, weight just a few ounces, and take almost no space. They can be
used for grocery shopping, to hold dirty laundry, as a carry-on bag, etc.

If you really need to bring more stuff than fits in carry on, I would
recommend selecting durable duffel bag which has backpacking straps.

CLOTHING

You should select clothing which can be mixed and matched: colors
which coordinate and layers which can be varied for look and
comfort. To minimize the amount of clothing needed, you should plan to
wash your clothing during any trip which is longer than a few
days. While most people pay most of their attention to the styling of
clothing, you will find that the fabric used in the clothing can make
a significant different in your ease of travel.

Most of my clothing is made from either Merino wool or from from
fabrics made by Schoeller. I recommend getting wrinkle-resistant or
wrinkle-proof clothing so you don't have to iron. I generally
recommend bringing a small number of clothing items made from a fast
drying fabric such as light weight merino wool, one of the modern
micro-fibers, or a high quality nylon such as Nycott,Supplex, or more
exotic materials made by Schoeller. Clothing made from these materials
can be easily washed in the sink at the end of the day, hung up in the
shower area, and will dry over night in most conditions, and be mostly
dry in most humid or cool conditions. When it a rush you can squeeze
excess water out of these materials, put them on wet, and let movement
and body heat dry them. The drying process typically takes around an
hour. This is why some super minimalists only have a single set of
clothings. I prefer to have two pairs of any given type of
clothing so if I am caught in an
unexpected storm, or spill something on myself in the middle of the
day, I have something to change into while I wash and/or
dry the effected garment(s). I have also noticed that clothing item can
be worn without washing is highly dependent on the local conditions
and the individual. Fabric also can also effect how frequently
you need to wash an item. For example, I am normally
comfortable wearing jeans two days in a row, but if it is hot and I am
sweating a lot, I am only comfortable wearing my jeans for a
day. On the other hand, some of the lighter weight
Schoeller materials, especially thoses treated with
nanosphere
can easily be worn for three days in warm weather and at
least four in cold weather before they start feeling and or smell
like then need to be washed. Some quick dry pants have a slightly calendered
internal face which I have
found makes them more comfortable in extreme conditions. While Merino
wool doesn't dry a quickly as modern synthetics, it does not pick up a
funky smell which enables merino shirts to be worn for multiple days
before it needs to be washed. There are a number of small companies which
make clothing that is particually well suited for travel including:
Outlier,
Makers and Riders, and
Wool and Prince.

You should adjust the style of your cloths to the local
sensibilities. For example, in many countries when you get away
from "international class" cities women are expected to wear
skirts or dresses which go below the knee and blouses that at least
cover the shoulders. Women not so clothed are assumed to be
prostitutes or "loose" and could find themselves harassed by
local men. In many Muslim areas women are expected to keep their
heads covered with a scarf or a hat. For men, the appropriate level
of formality can be highly variable. In some locations slacks, a button up
shirt, and blazer are normal and appropriate. Other locations it's perfectly
acceptable to wear sandals, boardshorts, and a tee shirt into a 5-star
restaurant.

Layering of clothing can lighten your load while keeping
you comfortably clothed. Seasoned travelers and backpackers are very
familiar with the idea of layering. Rather than bring a number of
coats (or other clothing items) each suited to a particular condition (a down coat for really cold, a shelled-bunting for cold,
and a denim jacket for moderate weather, an overcoat for rain, etc.)
you bring clothing which can be worn in varying combinations. I have
found that the combination of medium weight long-underwear, normal
clothing, a light merino wool sweater, a down-like insulating vest,
light weight waterproof/breathable jacket, and
hat keeps me warm in below 0F weather and takes up minimal space
in my luggage. Yet I can mix and match the various layers so I am
comfortable when it is 20F, 40F, 60F, and warmer. For a few more thoughts
on this, see my Outdoor Clothing page.
I know some women who really love the
Infinity Dress because they
can wear it in multiple styles and Macabi
Adventure Skirt because it can be worn as shorts, pants, or a skirt.

If you are heading for cold weather, bring a set of modern long-underwear,
they can make a real difference in keeping you
warm. A
nice wool sweater (dark color) is extremely useful. Besides keeping
you warm, a sweater can make you look more "dressed up" than you are.
A dressy jacket (blazer) isn't always required (often a nice sweater
and button down shirt/blouse are enough), but it will make you look
good which might be important as you cross borders, or get invited to
a special dinner. I bring one of two shells that I own. If I am expecting to be
outside for extended periods of time in the rain I bring a waterproof breathable
Jacket which keeps me dry even when I am moderately active.
This jacket weights 6oz and packs up fairly compactly. If I am
expecting moderate weather, or if I am not going to be outside for an extended
period of time I take a durable water repellent (DWR) jacket such as the
Patagonia Houdini windshirt. The windshirt weights only 4oz, packs down smaller
than a apple, and "breaths" better than any of the current waterproof
"breathable" materials while still providing 100% wind protection and keeping me
dry for brief rain storms. Since the DWR shell jacket isn't completely waterproof, I will bring a
small umbrella if I expect heavy rain storms.

Don't forget to bring a hat. If you are going to be someplace
sunny, you should bring a hat with a wide brim to reduce the risk of
sunburn, keep your head cool, and protect your eyes from too much
light. It is best to bring a hat which can be rolled/folded up and
can take a lot of abuse. It hot weather I would recommened the geeky, but highly
effective hats from Sunday Afternoons,
the classic Tilley Hat, or something
like the compact and versatile OR Sunrunner Cap.
If cold weather is at all likely, bring a wool
or polyester stocking hat or a buff. It will take up very little room, and will
help keep your warm. In modest conditions you only lose 10% of your heat
through your neck and head, but the percent goes up to almost 50% when
a person is so cold they are entering hypothermia. In other words, the
colder you feel, the more important it is to protect your head and
neck.

The best shoes to bring will depend on the local conditions and
weather. In colder locales, insulated boots are wonderful. In hot
climates sandals are great. You should always bring one pair of shoes
that you would be comfortable wearing for a whole day on your feet
while walking several miles. If these shoes are not be appropriate
for everywhere you want to go, then bring a second pair of shoes which
would be appropriate. In the summer I bring a pair of Keen Sandals because
they are versitile, with shoes that match their color can be mistaken for
shoes, and the toe guard has been very effective at preventing
stubbed toes which I used to regularly get wearing more minimalist sandals. . The rest
of the year I typically bring a pair of Vivobarefoot Gibo ankle boots.
If I am going to
be spending a lot of time in the back country or running I will
bring a pair of Alta runners. There are a number of minimalist
shoulds which work well for other people including
of Soft Star Shoes,
Lems Shoes,
Xeno Shoes and
Luna Sandals.
In many international locales you will want to have shower
thongs (or use your sports sandals) when you take a shower or go into
the bathroom since they floors are nasty.

TOILETRIES, FIRST AID, AND SAFETY

Dehydration is a common problem among travelers, especially when
you are flying. Make sure you drink enough. Safe drinking water is
extremely important. In many countries, the tap water is not safe to
drink. These days the high-tech filters such as the Pur Voyageur
are small, easy to use, and extremely effective. Make sure whatever
filter you get is able to remove or kill viruses. You should always
have something to carry safe water in. I like the
Platypus Water Bags because they
are durable and collapse nearly flat and
Zojirushi Double Walled Mug
because it insulated better than any other double wall container I have
tested and has a flawless design.

All of my toiletries, first aid, and repair items fits into a quarter size
Glad BigZip plastic bag. Remember to kee[ your liquids and gels separate
in containers no larger than 3 oz. I typically have been able to reuse
containers for this purpose (like samples and items provided by hotels. If
you can't find containers for free you could buy some fromy
easytraveler inc. The
humangear GoToobs
are very nice but pricy. Don't take full-size
items (normal size bar of soap or a tube of toothpaste), but use the
travel/sample size, if not a smaller amount in an appropriately size
container. Hint: try measuring the amount of toiletries you use for
a week or two. It might be much less than what you think is needed.
If you are bring anything which is a liquid, double wrap it in
zip-lock bags to prevent leaks. In many parts of the world, toilet
paper is not common, nor are flush toilets. It is always wise to
bring some toilet paper on your journey, and keep a small amount with
you at all times.

Pick-pockets are extremely common and are attracted to locations
which have a lot of travelers/tourists. This is especially true in
third world locations frequented by comparatively rich western
travelers. Na´ve American tourist (and that is how we are viewed most
places) are often careless, and might have more than a month's waging
for the easy taking. Don't be a victim. Carry your valuables in a
travel wallet under your clothing. Note: the classic travel wallets
don't work well for all people. For example, short women who need to
wear dresses might have problems finding security wallets which do not
create an unsightly bulge not to mention being able to get to the
wallet without undressing. I have found that the ankle security wallets
work pretty well. There are also a number of the travel companies sell
vests which are specifically designed for traveling. These vests have
pockets inside which can be sealed against pickpockets. While some
travel vests make you look like a foreign correspondent (lots of
oversize pockets), there are a number of very fashionable vests which
can add color to wardrobe and don't make you stand out as a "tourist /
photo-journalist".

EXTRAS

One of the best things you can bring back from your trip are photographs. I
would strongly recommend bringing a camera. Even if you don't
normally take photographs, you should still plan to bring a small
point-and-shoot camera. I have a page about
Choicing a Camera. Take a look at the "How to Use a
Point-and-Shoot" on PHOTO.NET, or read David Pogue's
Digital Photography: The
Missing Manual before you go on your trip.

In the USA, especially in larger hotels, it is common to get clean
linens every day. At a minimum you expect to have fresh linens when
you get a room. All hotels are not like this, especially if you are
far from mainstream tourist areas or in a budget hotel. Even if
you don't normally use pajamas, you might want something that you can
sleep in. I know a number of people who bring a pair of silk pajamas
because they feel nice and take up almost no room. Long underwear can
double as pajamas if you need them to. Some people like using
"sleeping sacks". Having a clean pillowcase to lay your head on is
also very nice.

Gift giving is very common outside the US. You should bring some
small gifts. Especially if someone makes you a home cooked meal or
shows great hospitality. Handmade items are always appreciated. A
small needlework, a drawing, a small bag or pouch decorated by hand.
Postcards from your home town, chocolate, small pins, LED lights, small
calculator, or a key chain
with something nifty on it. A great way to delight small children is learn to
make animals out of balloons.

Technology: Many people feel compelled to bring technology with
them. Computers, short-wave radios, walkmans, all sorts of electronic
devices. There is nothing wrong with any of these objects. It is
possible that each of them can enrich your journey. But before you
pack your favorite electronic gear, ask yourself questions like Do I
really want to bring this with me? What will happen if I don't
hear the latest news? Maybe I will relax more? Am I really going to
use this laptop, or is it going to be a four pound weight around my
neck? Do I really want to listen to my walkman or will it cut me off
from the new environment I am trying to experience? Also make sure
you have backup for whatever information is in your electronic gear.
My Palm Pilot locked up one a trip (first time this ever happened) and
I lost all the addresses of people I was going to send postcards to.

Noise Reduction: Planes and trains can be quite noisy. Noise is
fatiguing so it's good to cut it down. There are a number of
companies such as Bose that make noise reducing headphones which use
active sound cancelation to reduce noise. More
compact, and typically cheaper and higher sound quality are sound
issolating in the ear monitoribgs or even basic ear plugs. I use a
pair of etymotic hf3 ear buds which
I think is the lowest price sound issolating ear bud which
provide high quality audio playback as well as full iPhone controls.

MINDSET

Let your trip be a growing experience... be willing to
be pushed beyond your day to day comfort zone. You might find books like
The Art of Pilgrimage
by Phil Cousineau & Huston Smith
encouraging.

Travel can first and foremost be a learning experience. We
learn about the culture and land we visit and we learn about ourselves.
Traveling to remote and unusual places, far from the standard and well-traveled
tourist destinations, can rekindle our adventure spirit and renew a sense of
perspective in our daily lives.

Such places are often very sensitive to outside disruption and
exist in a delicate cultural or environmental balance. As travelers,
each of us holds a responsibility to protect this balance. Eagle
Creek offers the following suggestions for all of us:

Understand and Observe Local Customs: Acquaint yourself
with the culture and customs of the lands you visit and respect
them. Other cultures may take offense to certain innocent and
unassuming gestures. For, in some societies people do not wish to be
photographed without their permission.

Support the Local Economy: Stay in locally owned
establishments. It gives you better cultural exposure to the region
and it is of direct economic benefit to the community. Avoid chain
hotels, which often channel profits out of the region or country. Eat
the local cuisine. Why waste your taste buds on totally familiar foods
you have at home and are not indigenous to the area. Enjoy the
provincial fare which supports the local eateries, growers, fishermen,
wineries, etc. Buy local crafts. Avoid souvenirs mass produced in
Chinese or Korean factories. Your purchases should support local
artisans and help perpetuate their traditions, crafts and culture.

Be Patient and Positive: Remember that travel means strange
languages and unfamiliar surroundings. Expect the unexpected. Try not
to get frustrated and don't be afraid to ask for help. Courtesy is
usually responded to with kindness. Delays, detours, and other
inconveniences will occur. Be patient, be positive, and remember to
smile!

BEFORE YOU GO

Find someone who will take care of your residence. You will want
someone to pick up your mail (or have the post office hold your mail),
water your plants, feed your pets, etc.

Pay all your bills before you leave. If important bills are likely
to arrive after you leave, but come due before you get back, leave
checks with the person taking care of your mail which have been filled
out with as much information as possible and leave pre-addressed
stamped envelopes.

Take care of any medical issues. Make an appointment to see your
doctor at least three months before you leave. Discuss any health
issues that you have been putting off dealing with, and find get
whatever vaccinations you need. Likewise, make appointments with
other medical practitioner such as your dentist or optometrist if you
haven't seen them recently. As long as you are taking care of
yourself, go get your hair cut.

If you don't have a passport and valid visa, start the paperwork.
Passports used to take six-eight weeks to be processed. My
understanding is that it's now taking a number of months. Visa will
often take a number of weeks. If you are unable to get a passport
fast enough for your trip, contact you US congressman's office since they
can often speed up the process. There are a number of organizations
that expedite visa if you are short of time. Make sure you leave
someone with important documents such as your will, health
information, copies of your passport and visa.

Solo Guide: A simple site with around 180 brief city guides and
some good recommendations on gear and packing.
URL: http://sologuides.com

Tyman's Recommended Gear: Tyman takes minimalist traveling
to the extreme. I don't go this light, but he has an interesting
perspective. There are a number of blog posts on the site related to
minimalist travel. His current packing list.
URL: http://tynan.com/gear2016

Travel's Checklist Useful system which will generate a custom
packing list based on type of trip which you can then update. URL:
http://www.travelschecklist.com/

Joshua Project: Web site with information peoples groups of the world
which don't have a significant Christian population. URL:
http://www.joshuaproject.net/

RECOMMENDED TRAVELING LIGHT PACKING LIST

Items marked with "*" are added when appropriate. "**"
indicate items I typically don't carry, but many people seem to carry.
The following list has been used on multi-week trips. Clothing was washed
as needed in bathroom sinks and hung dry. The list I personally use is down a
bit further.

The following is my personal list for an extended trip with variable
weather and varying "social" expectations. This differences from the above
list because generics have been replaced by the specific items I take.
Items marked with "*" are added when appropriate.

Luggage

tom bihn synapse backpack

patagonia ultralight courier bag

Pockets/Wear

small wallet w/ license, cash, credit card, etc

iphone

Swiss-Tech Util-Key

garmin 935 gps watch

transportation tickets

passport, vaccination certificate*

Clothing
(Wear & Carry)

outlier slim dungarees and/or new way shorts (2-3),

zoot tri-shorts

icebreaker tee-shirts (2)

2-3 pairs darn tough socks

2-3 pairs icebreaker underwear

mesh belt

keen sandals or alta trailrunners

vivobarefoot gobi II ankle boots*

icebreaker hoody

arcteryx norvan sl rain jacket

tilley ltm2 hat

polarbuff

patagonia capilene thermal weight hoody*

uniqlo ultralight down vest*

mountain hardware grub gloves*

blazer and tie*

umbrella*

Toiletries - Dry

rei micro toiletry bag

toothbrush, floss

razor

folding brush

nail clipper

ultralight packtowel*

toilet paper*

Liquids

toothpaste

all purpose liquid soap

shaving oil

hand lotion

shampoo

sunblock*

aloe*

woolite*

First Aid & Health

bandages, anti-biotic ointment, aleve, lip balm

hand cleaner

antihistamine, decongestant

second skin blister pads

safety pins, single use super glue

diarrhea (pepto-bismol, imodium & cispro)*

water purifier tablets*

thermometer*

Daily Life

zojirushi double walled travel mug

sound isolating IEM

pen

sun glasses*

paper notebook*

insect repellent*

Zebralight H51 headlamp*

Electronics

Transfer from my EDC to luggage:

Portable USB battery / flashlight

AUKEY USB Wall Charger

6-inch miniUSB, Lightning cables

RAVpower USB Battery/Flashlght

Extras

Kindle, iPad or MacBook Pro

Extra long USB Cables

sink stopper*

International Power Adapter*

Ethernet Adapter*

gifts (handmade is nice)*

sleeping sack*

pillowcase*

Camping?

See my Outdoor gear
for information about what sorts of things I take backpacking.